Tsqaltubo

Zqaltubo (Georgian წყალტუბო ) is a spa and thermal bath in Georgia in the homonymous municipality of western Georgian region of Imereti. The city has 16,737 inhabitants ( 1 January 2005).

It lies 137 meters above sea level and is known for its temperate climate and warm, slightly radioactive thermal springs.

The sources are to act against rheumatism and other joint diseases. There is a large spa, 16 sanatoriums and motels. Since Zqaltubo 1934 was connected to the railway network, together with around 100,000 spa visitors to the city. Not all sanatoriums are the Kurbetrieb available, however. A number of houses of Abkhazia and South Ossetia since 1992 refugees.

In Zqaltubo the Research Institute for Asthma, Allergy and Immunology at the Georgian Academy of Sciences is located.

The city is internationally known for their extensive underground caves in the area. These are not fully understood.